Integrated package and mail security system implementing enriched customer and delivery service capabilities

ABSTRACT

A system for securely depositing an item includes: a deposit box with a door configured to provide selective access to an interior space in the deposit box; a lock mechanism configured to attach to the deposit box to selectively block the door from opening; a first proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism to operate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open; a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of: a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximity sensor; and a first transmitter operatively connected to the lock mechanism and configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating information regarding the lock mechanism, and wherein the deposit box is at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches long.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/449,933, filed Jun. 24, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,736,451, issuedAug. 11, 2020, which application is a continuation of InternationalApplication No. PCT/IB2017/058377, filed Dec. 22, 2017 designating theU.S., which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/389,867, filed Dec. 23, 2016; claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/479,525, filed Apr. 5, 2017; and claims priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/563,762, filed Sep. 27, 2017 thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method forsecurely delivering packages and correspondence. More particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to a system and method for limiting access toa secured delivery box to a delivery person and a system user associatedwith the delivery box. Moreover, the present disclosure provides anintegrated package and mail security system implementing enrichedcustomer and delivery service capabilities.

BACKGROUND

Everyday delivery services deliver sensitive mail to over 155 milliondelivery locations, most of which are filled with unsecured, orminimally secured, public access mailboxes. Every day, sensitive,personal data is left unattended in these publically accessiblemailboxes, with no or little security. The mailboxes even have raisedred flags to publicize to criminals that personal, valuable data couldbe sitting in these unsecured boxes waiting to be taken. This securityweakness has been inherent in the mail and package delivery model sincethe inception of the mail delivery system.

Furthermore, modern delivery services often have excellent trackingsystems to track where mail, packages or other things to be deliveredare in the delivery system. However most or all these systems lack theability to actually track if mail or packages are located in a mailboxor other deposit type receptacle.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system or method and apparatusthat can allow mail, packages, or other items that are delivered to bedeposited in a more secure location and allow tracking of whether theitem is deposited within the mailbox or other deposit receptacle.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a system for securely depositing anitem including: a deposit box having walls, a floor, and top thatdefines an interior space within the deposit box and a door configuredto provide selective access between the interior space in the depositbox and an exterior of the deposit box; a lock mechanism configured toattach to the deposit box to selectively block the door from opening; afirst proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism tooperate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open;a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of:a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximitysensor; and a first transmitter operatively connected to the lockmechanism and configured to transmit a signal indicative of operatinginformation regarding the lock mechanism, and wherein the deposit box isat least 18 inches wide and 24 inches long.

The present disclosure also describes, a method of making a securedelivery including: unlocking a delivery box by activating a firstproximity sensor operatively connected to a lock mechanism by moving asecond proximity sensor near the first proximity sensor, wherein thesecond proximity sensor is mounted to a piece of delivery equipment,wherein the first and second proximity sensors have been registered to adelivery box user and a delivery service respectively; depositing adelivery item associated with the delivery box in the delivery box or ina bag associated with the delivery box; and moving the second proximitysensor away from the first proximity sensor, and wherein the deliverybox is at least 18 inches wide and 24 inches long.

The present disclosure also describes, a system for securely depositingan item including: a deposit box having walls, a floor, and top thatdefines an interior space within the deposit box and a door configuredto provide selective access between the interior space in the depositbox and an exterior of the deposit box; a lock mechanism configured toattach to the deposit box to selectively block the door from opening; afirst proximity sensor operatively connected to the lock mechanism tooperate the lock mechanism to block the door or allow the door to open;a second proximity sensor configured to be attached to at least one of:a delivery person and a piece of delivery equipment; a third proximitysensor; a first transmitter operatively connected to the lock mechanismand configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating informationregarding the lock mechanism; a bag, the bag having an attaching memberconfigured to attach to a securing member located in the interior space;and a passageway in the deposit box sized and dimensioned to allow theattaching member to pass through the passageway to attach to thesecuring member in the interior space when the bag is outside of theinterior space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for depositing delivery itemsin a secure manner and tracking whether the item has been deposited inthe receptacle in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a wireless device that may be used withthe system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a mailbag that may be used in accordance tothe system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a necklace or bracelet containing a proximitysensor that may be used in accordance with the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a key chain containing a proximity sensor thatmay be used in accordance with the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a watch containing a proximity sensor that maybe used in accordance with the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a mailbox having an external locking system.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a mailbox having an internal locking system.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a larger deposit box having a lockingsystem.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a deposit bag attached to a delivery box inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a larger deposit box having a depositbag attached to a delivery box in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of activating a universalproximity sensor in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of activating a proximitysensor attached to a deposit box in accordance with present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of securely delivering anitem in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example, non-limiting aspect in accordance with the invention willnow be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout. It should beunderstood that the drawings are not to scale. An aspect in accordancewith the present disclosure provides a system, method, or apparatus thatthat can allow mail or other items that are delivered to be deposited ina secure location and allow tracking of whether the item is deposited inthe mailbox or other deposit receptacle.

An aspect of the present inventive system is schematically shown inFIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a system 20 that allows an item to bedelivered in a relatively secure location and that item to be tracked aswell as the status of the deposit box being monitored.

As shown in FIG. 1, a deposit box 22 may include an indicator 24 such asa flag 24 to indicate to a delivery person whether there is an item inthe deposit box 22 to be picked up. The deposit box 22 may include adoor 26 that provides selective access to an enclosed space 28 locatedwithin the deposit box 22. The deposit box 22 may be made of steel,aluminum, or any other metal, metal alloy, plastic, resin, polymer,fiberglass or other suitable substance. The deposit box 22 may include abox proximity sensor 30 which may be operatively connected to a lockingmechanism 32. The deposit box 22 may be mounted upon a box support 34which may be mounted to or set in the ground 36. The deposit box 22 maybe located adjacent to a street or road 38.

In some aspects, the box proximity sensor 30 is able to detect ifanother appropriately authorized proximity sensor 40, 42 is nearby. Ifan appropriately authorized sensor 40 or 42 is near the box proximitysensor 30, then the box proximity sensor 30 can send a control signal tothe locking mechanism 32 to unlock which will allow the door 26 to beopened to provide access to the enclosed space 28. The box proximitysensor 30 may also have a transceiver that allows the box proximitysensor 30 to send/receive signals to and from the system 20.Furthermore, when there are no authorized proximity sensors 40 or 42near the box proximity sensor 30, then the locking mechanism 32 willmove to its defaulted, locked state.

The system 20 may include a piece of delivery equipment 44. As shown inFIG. 1, the delivery equipment 44 is a delivery vehicle. The deliveryvehicle 44 may be equipped with an authorized proximity sensor 42 whichmay communicate with the box proximity sensor 30 when the authorizedproximity sensor 42 is located near the box proximity sensor 30. As aresult, a delivery person operating the delivery vehicle 44 need onlydrive or maneuver the delivery vehicle 44 near the deposit box 22 tocause the deposit box 22 to be in an unlocked state. The delivery personneed not fumble with keys or any other devices in order to unlock thedeposit box 22. Rather, merely maneuvering the delivery equipment 44(which is shown in FIG. 1 to be a vehicle, but other delivery equipmentmay also be used which will be discussed later below) near the depositbox 22 unlocks the deposit box 22. Further, moving the deliveryequipment 44 away from the deposit box 22 will cause the deposit box 22to be a locked state. Therefore, the delivery person need not performany extra function to lock or unlock the deposit box 22 other than whatthe delivery person would already do when making a deposit within aregular non-secured deposit box.

When a user such as the owner or other person associated with thedeposit box 22 wants to access the deposit box 22 to retrieve a piece ofmail, package, or other article, the user may use the user's proximitysensor 40 and bring it near the box proximity sensor 30 causing the boxproximity sensor 30 to send a signal to the locking mechanism 32 tounlock and allow the door 26 of the deposit box 22 to open to therebyprovide access to the enclosed space 28. When the user moves away fromthe deposit box 22 the user's proximity sensor 40 will move out of rangeand no longer be able to communicate with the box proximity sensor 30,which will cause the locking mechanism 32 to move to its default lockingposition.

In some aspects, and as shown in FIG. 1, a delivery operation may have ahome base 46, which may be a place, or building where the equipment 44may be stored and/or loaded with items to be delivered. In some aspects,this may be a local or regional post office.

The base or building 46 may be associated with a boundary or propertyline 48. In some aspects, when the delivery vehicle 44 leaves thebuilding 46 building proximity sensors 50A detects when the proximitysensor 42 on the delivery vehicle 44 leaves the building 46. In otheraspects, a boundary line proximity sensor 50B can detect when theproximity sensor 42 on the delivery vehicle 44 leaves the propertyboundary 48.

When the proximity sensors 50A or 50B detect that the delivery proximitysensor 42 has left either the building 46 or the property boundary 48they may send a signal via connectors 54, which may be wired, orwireless through the Internet 52 or other communications system to aserver or database 56. The server or database 56 can save data regardingthe movement of the proximity sensor 42. In this way, the date and timeof when the proximity sensor 42 left the base 46 or property 48 may bemonitored and stored. Conventional or other delivery tracking systemsmay be used to generate information and/or data to be stored on theserver or database 56 so that the delivery proximity sensor 42 may beassociated with data such as which delivery articles are located on thedelivery vehicle 44. In some aspects, signals may be sent to a user toindicate that a delivery article associated with a user has left thedelivery facility 46 or property 48 and is out for delivery.

Users of the system 20 may use various computers (PCs) 58 which may beconnected either wirelessly are wired by connections 54 through theInternet 52 or other communications system to the database or server 56in order to retrieve data is saved on the server 56 or to receivesignals, emails, texts or other messages providing them updates withrespect to items to be delivered to their delivery receptacles 22.

In addition to various computers personal computers (PCs) 58, users mayaccess the system 20 using a wireless device 104. The wireless device104 may also be connected via a wired or wireless connection 54 to theInternet 52 or other communication systems to the database or server 56.It should be understood that the various proximity sensors 30, 40, 42,50A, and 50B may include transceivers which allow the proximity sensors30, 40, 42, 50A and 50B to communicate with other aspects of the system20 such as the server/database 56. It should be understood that none,some, or all of the access, communication, and data storage that occursover the system 20 is securely protected and may be encrypted.

FIG. 2 illustrates a device 104 in accordance with an aspect of thedisclosure. In this regard, the disclosure may be implemented inconjunction with a wireless device 104 executing the mail serviceoptimization application 106. The wireless device 104 includes a memory116. The wireless device 104 may further include an operating system148, a communication component 150, a contact/motion component 152, agraphics component 154, and the like. The operating system 148 togetherwith the various components provides software functionality for each ofthe components of the wireless device 104. The memory 116 may include ahigh-speed, random-access memory. Also, the memory 116 may be anon-volatile memory, such as magnetic fixed disk storage, flash memoryor the like. These various components may be connected through variouscommunication lines including a data bus 170. The memory 116 may alsostore device related information including but not limited to a deviceserial number, such as, for example, an International Mobile EquipmentIdentify (IMEI), an Electronic Serial Number (ESN), Mobile EquipmentIdentifier (MEID), and/or the like.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the memory 116 of a wireless device104 includes a database for storing user information. The userinformation may include further information as required by the serviceprovider and may include information such as full name, address, date ofbirth, telephone number, service provider, email address, contactnumber, credit card information, and the like. In one aspect, thedatabase may include security questions. In another aspect, the databasemay include user specified preferences.

The wireless device 104 may also include a SIM card 184 having a memory182. The memory 182 stores the SIM card serial number, and may beimplemented as, for example, an integrated Circuit Card ID (ICCID).Aspects of the disclosure may be equally applicable to wireless devices104 that are implemented without a SIM card 184 having a memory 182.

The wireless device 104 also includes a processor 114 which may be acentral processing unit configured to execute instructions, such as, forexample, instructions related to software programs. Any processor can beused for the wireless device 104 as understood by those of ordinaryskill in the art. The processor 114 may be coupled to the user interface122, the SIM card 184, and the memory 116. The display 118 may be aliquid crystal display (LCD) or any other suitable display. Preferably,the LCD includes a backlight to illuminate the various color liquidcrystals to provide a more colorful display. The user interface 122 maybe any type of physical input as readily employed in the field. Forexample, the user interface may have physical buttons. Alternatively,the user interface may be implemented on a touchscreen 180.Additionally, the wireless device 104 includes a power supply 158. Themail service optimization application 106 may be executed by theprocessor 114.

The wireless device 104 may include an audio input/output device 156.The audio input/output device 156 may include speakers, speaker outputs,microphones, microphone inputs, and the like, for receiving and sendingsound inputs. In an exemplary aspect, the audio input/output device 156may include an analog to digital converter and a digital to analogconverter for audio input and output functions respectively.

In a further aspect, the wireless device 104 may include a transceiver120. The wireless device 104 may provide radio and signal processing asneeded to access a network for services in conjunction with thetransceiver 120. The processor 114 may be configured to process callfunctions, data transfer, and the like and provide other services to theuser.

In an exemplary aspect, the touchscreen 180 of the disclosure may beimplemented in the display 118 and may detect a presence and location ofa touch of a user within the display area. For example, touching thedisplay 118 of the wireless device 104 with a finger or hand. Thetouchscreen 180 may also sense other passive objects, such as a stylus.The wireless device 104 may further include a touch screen controller160.

In operation, the display 118 may show various objects 190 associatedwith applications for execution by the processor 114. For example, auser may touch the display 118, particularly the touchscreen 180, tointeract with the objects 190. That is, touching an object 190 mayexecute an application in the processor 114 associated with the object190 that is stored in memory 116. Additionally or alternatively,touching an object 190 may open a menu of options to be selected by theuser. The display 118 may include a plurality of objects 190 for theuser to interact with. Moreover, the display 118 may include a pluralityof screens. The display 118 showing one screen at a time. The user mayinteract with the display 118 to move a screen into view on the display118. Various objects 190 may be located in each of the screens.

The touchscreen 180 may have different implementations. The touchscreen180 may be implemented as a resistive touchscreen, a surface acousticwave touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, a surface capacitancetouchscreen, projected capacitive touch screen, self-capacitancesensors, infrared sensors, dispersive signal technology, acoustic pulserecognition, or the like.

The display 118 is generally configured to display a graphical userinterface (GUI) 122 that provides an easy to use visual interfacebetween a user of the wireless device 104 and the operating system orapplication(s) running on the wireless device 104. Generally, the GUIpresents programs, files, and operational options with graphical images.During operation, the user may select and activate various graphicalimages, which appear on the display 118 in order to initiate functionsand tasks associated therewith.

Any of the computers 58 may include all, some, or any other desirablefeatures described above with respect to the wireless device 104. Insome aspects, programs or applications (apps) may be downloaded from theserver or database 56 onto the wireless devices or computers 58 in orderto allow a user to easily access information regarding the system 20.Alternatively, the programs or applications may reside or the databaseor server 56 and be accessed by a user via a wireless device 104 orcomputer 58.

Any of the wired or wireless connections 54, or other communicationaspects of the disclosure, may include communication channels that maybe any type of wired or wireless electronic communications network, suchas, e.g., a wired/wireless local area network (LAN), a wired/wirelesspersonal area network (PAN), a wired/wireless home area network (HAN), awired/wireless wide area network (WAN), a campus network, a metropolitannetwork, an enterprise private network, a virtual private network (VPN),an internetwork, a backbone network (BBN), a global area network (GAN),the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, an overlay network, Near fieldcommunication (NFC), a cellular telephone network, a PersonalCommunications Service (PCS), using known protocols such as the GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA (Code-Division MultipleAccess), GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies, Long TermEvolution (LTE), 5G (5th generation mobile networks or 5th generationwireless systems), WiMAX, HSPA+, W-CDMA (Wideband Code-Division MultipleAccess), CDMA2000 (also known as C2K or IMT Multi-Carrier (IMT-MC)),Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, and/or the like, and/or acombination of two or more thereof. The NFC standards covercommunications protocols and data exchange formats, and are based onexisting radio-frequency identification (RFID) standards includingISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa. The standards include ISO/IEC 18092[3] andthose defined by the NFC Forum.

Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in any type of computingdevices, such as, e.g., a desktop computer, personal computer, alaptop/mobile computer, a personal data assistant (PDA), a mobile phone,a tablet computer, cloud computing device, and the like, withwired/wireless communications capabilities via the communicationchannels.

Aspects of the disclosure may be web-based. For example, a server mayoperate a web application in conjunction with a database. The webapplication may be hosted in a browser-controlled environment (e.g., aJava applet and/or the like), coded in a browser-supported language(e.g., JavaScript combined with a browser-rendered markup language(e.g., Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and/or the like)) and/or thelike such that any computer running a common web browser (e.g., InternetExplorer™, Firefox™, Chrome™, Safari™ or the like) may render theapplication executable. A web-based service may be more beneficial dueto the ubiquity of web browsers and the convenience of using a webbrowser as a client (i.e., thin client). Further, with inherent supportfor cross-platform compatibility, the web application may be maintainedand updated without distributing and installing software on each.

Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in any type of mobilesmartphones that are operated by any type of advanced mobile dataprocessing and communication operating system, such as, e.g., an Apple™iOS™ operating system, a Google™ Android™ operating system, a RIM™Blackberry™ operating system, a Nokia™ Symbian™ operating system, aMicrosoft™ Windows Mobile™ operating system, a Microsoft™ Windows Phone™operating system, a Linux™ operating system or the like.

Further in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation with dedicatedhardware implementations including, but not limited to, PCs, PDAs,semiconductors, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),programmable logic arrays, cloud computing devices, and other hardwaredevices constructed to implement the methods described herein.

It should also be noted that the software implementations of thedisclosure as described herein are optionally stored on a tangiblestorage medium, such as: a magnetic medium such as a disk or tape; amagneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk; or a solid statemedium such as a memory card or other package that houses one or moreread-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or otherre-writable (volatile) memories. A digital file attachment to email orother self-contained information archive or set of archives isconsidered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storagemedium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangiblestorage medium or distribution medium, as listed herein and includingart-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the softwareimplementations herein are stored.

Additionally, the various aspects of the disclosure may be implementedin a non-generic computer implementation. Moreover, the various aspectsof the disclosure set forth herein improve the functioning of the systemas is apparent from the disclosure hereof. Furthermore, the variousaspects of the disclosure involve computer hardware that it specificallyprogrammed to solve the complex problem addressed by the disclosure.Accordingly, the various aspects of the disclosure improve thefunctioning of the system overall in its specific implementation toperform the process set forth by the disclosure and as defined by theclaims.

According to an example, the global navigation satellite system (GNSS)may include a device and/or system that may estimate its location based,at least in part, on signals received from space vehicles (SVs). Inparticular, such a device and/or system may obtain “pseudorange”measurements including approximations of distances between associatedSVs and a navigation satellite receiver. In a particular example, such apseudorange may be determined at a receiver that is capable ofprocessing signals from one or more SVs as part of a SatellitePositioning System (SPS). Such an SPS may comprise, for example, aGlobal Positioning System (GPS), Galileo, Glonass, to name a few, or anySPS developed in the future. To determine its location, a satellitenavigation receiver may obtain pseudorange measurements to three or moresatellites as well as their positions at time of transmitting. Knowingthe SV orbital parameters, these positions can be calculated for anypoint in time. A pseudorange measurement may then be determined based,at least in part, on the time a signal travels from an SV to thereceiver, multiplied by the speed of light. While techniques describedherein may be provided as implementations of location determination inGPS and/or Galileo types of SPS as specific illustrations according toparticular examples, it should be understood that these techniques mayalso apply to other types of SPS, and that claimed subject matter is notlimited in this respect.

The application described in the disclosure may be implemented toexecute on an Apple™ iOS™ operating system, a Google™ Android™ operatingsystem, a RIM™ Blackberry™ operating system, a Nokia™ Symbian™ operatingsystem, a Microsoft™ Windows Mobile™ operating system, a Microsoft™Windows Phone™ operating system, a Linux™ operating system or the like.The application may be displayed as an icon. The application may havebeen downloaded from the Internet, pre-installed, or the like. In someaspects, the application may be obtained from Google Play™, AndroidMarket™, Apple Store™, or the like digital distribution source. Theapplication may be written in conjunction with the software developerskit (SDK) associated with an Apple™ iOS™ operating system, a Google™Android™ operating system, a RIM™ Blackberry™ operating system, a Nokia™Symbian™ operating system, a Microsoft™ Windows Mobile™ operatingsystem, a Microsoft™ Windows Phone™ operating system, a Linux™ operatingsystem or the like.

Aspects of the disclosure may include a server 56 executing an instanceof an application or software configured to accept requests from aclient and giving responses accordingly. The server 56 may run on anycomputer including dedicated computers. The computer may include atleast one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU),and some form of memory. The processing element may carry out arithmeticand logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit may change theorder of operations in response to stored information. The server 56 mayinclude peripheral devices that may allow information to be retrievedfrom an external source, and the result of operations saved andretrieved. The server 56 may operate within a client-serverarchitecture. The server 56 may perform some tasks on behalf of clients.The clients may connect to the server 56 through the network on acommunication channel as defined herein. The server 56 may use memorywith error detection and correction, redundant disks, redundant powersupplies and so on.

The term text message or SMS refers to “short message service” which isa text messaging service component of phone, web, or mobilecommunication systems. It uses standardized communications protocols toallow fixed line or mobile phone devices to exchange short textmessages. SMS was originally designed as part of GSM, but is nowavailable on a wide range of networks, including 3G, 4G, LTE, 5Gnetworks or networks associated with the communication channel asdefined herein.

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is a standard way to send messagesthat include multimedia content to and from mobile phones. It extendsthe core SMS (Short Message Service) capability that allowed exchange oftext messages only up to 160 characters in length. While the mostpopular use is to send photographs from camera-equipped handsets, it isalso used as a method of delivering news and entertainment contentincluding videos, pictures, text pages, and ringtones. MMS can be usedwithin the context of the present invention for UICC activation messagedelivery. Of note is that MMS messages are delivered in a completelydifferent way from SMS. The first step is for the sending device toencode the multimedia content in a fashion similar to sending a MIMEe-mail (MIME content formats are defined in the MMS MessageEncapsulation specification). The message is then forwarded to thecarrier's MMS store and forward server, known as the MMSC (MultimediaMessaging Service Centre). If the receiver is on another carrier, therelay forwards the message to the recipient's carrier using the Internet52.

FIG. 3 illustrates another aspect where the delivery equipment 44 is nota vehicle as shown in FIG. 1 but is rather a mail carrier's bag 200. Thebag 200 is equipped with a delivery the proximity sensor 42 and operatesin the same manner as the delivery proximity sensor 42 described inFIG. 1. In other words, all the delivery person needs to do is toapproach the deposit box 22 and the delivery proximity sensor 42 willcommunicate with the box proximity sensor 30 cause the deposit box 22 tounlock. By walking away from the deposit box 22 the delivery proximitysensor 42 will no longer be proximate to the box proximity sensor 30,which will cause the locking mechanism 32 to default to its lockingposition. It should be understood that in some aspects, that in orderfor the locking mechanism 32 to move to its defaulted, locked position,the door 26 must be closed.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate various features that may be used by either a useror a delivery person to hold either the user's proximity sensor 40 orthe delivery proximity sensor 42. As shown in FIG. 4, a necklace orbracelet 202 may act as the postal equipment 44 to hold the deliveryproximity sensor 42. The bracelet or necklace 202 may be worn by thedelivery person. In other aspects, the necklace or bracelet 202 can beused or worn by the user and contain the user's proximity sensor 40.

As shown in FIG. 5, a key ring 204 may act as the postal equipment 44 tohold the delivery proximity sensor 42. The key ring 204 may be carriedby the delivery person. In some aspects, a key ring 204 can be used orcarried by the user and contain the user's proximity sensor 40.

As shown in FIG. 6, a watch 206 may act as the postal equipment 44 tohold the delivery proximity sensor 42. The watch 206 may be worn by thedelivery person. In some aspects, a watch 206 can be used or worn by theuser and contain the user's proximity sensor 40.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a deposit box 22 in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The locking mechanism 32 of FIG. 7 is shown externalto the deposit box 22. FIG. 8 is another aspect where the lockingmechanism 32 shown internally and in the enclosed space 28 of thedeposit box 22. While the position of the locking mechanism 32 is shownherein as an example it will be understood that various differentlocking mechanism 32 may be employed and located at various positionsand are on or in the deposit box 22.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the locking mechanism 32 includes alock receiver 208, which is attached to the door 26 via fasteners 210.In other aspects, an adhesive, such as a high strength adhesive, may beused instead of, or in addition to, the fasteners 210 to attach thelocking mechanism 32 to the deposit box 22. The lock receiver 208receives a movable bolt 212. The movable bolt 212 retracts and extendsin and out of the lock body 214 via a bolt moving mechanism 216. Thelocking mechanism 32 may be dimensioned so that when the door 26 is in aclosed position the movable bolt 212 will fit into a recess within thelock receiver 208. A box proximity sensor 30 is operatively connected tothe locking mechanism 32. The box proximity sensor 30 sends a signal tooperate the locking mechanism 32 to move the movable bolt 212 positionwithin the lock body 214 when the box proximity sensor 30 detectsanother authorized proximity sensor nearby. When no additionalauthorized proximity sensor is detected by the box proximity sensor 30,then the locking mechanism 32 will revert to its defaulted lockedposition. In other aspects, the default position of the lockingmechanism 32 may be an unlocked position.

The locking mechanism 32 may also include a status light 218 which, insome aspects, may be an LED light. The status light 218 may displayvarious colors or simply be illuminated or not to indicate the lockingmechanism 32 status. In some aspects, when the locking mechanism 32 isnot in a locked condition, the status light 218 may be not illuminatedor illuminating a color indicating that the locking mechanism 32 is notlocked. When the locking mechanism 32 is in a locked condition, then thestatus light 218 may be illuminated or display a color indicating thatthe locking mechanism 32 is in a locked condition. Power for the lockingmechanism 32, the status light 218, and/or the proximity sensor 30 mayinclude a battery, a connection to line voltage, a solar cell or anyother suitable power source.

In some aspects, it may be desirable to have a large deposit box 220,which may be sized to accommodate larger packages and not just mail orother document deliveries as shown in FIG. 9. The large deposit box 220may have a locking mechanism 32 secure the door 222 and a body of thelarge deposit box 220 in a similar manner as discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 7 and 8. In some aspects, the larger deposit box 220may be sized 18″×24.″ Other aspects may use different sizes. The largedeposit box 220 may be attached directly to a user's home, the ground,or other building.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate additional aspects that may be used fordelivering items larger than the deposit box 22 or 220. In the aspectillustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the deposit box 22 or 220 may includea flexible deposit bag 224. The deposit bag 224 may assist in keeping adelivery protected from weather (particularly, but not limited to,precipitation, and ground moisture) as well as keeping the item secure.The deposit boxes 22, 220 may also be configured to protect deliveryitems from weather as well as keeping the item secure.

The flexible deposit bag 224 may be kept in the deposit box 22, 220 whennot in use. There may be a slot or other structure in the deposit box22, 220 or storing the deposit bag 224. The flexible deposit bag 224 maybe made of a waterproof or water resistant nylon, plastic, canvas, orother suitable material. The bag 224 may be equipped with straps 226which may fit through passageways 230 into the interior enclosed space28 to fit on securing hooks (as shown in FIG. 10A) or other securingstructure 228. In the aspect shown in FIG. 10B, the bag is cinchedclosed with the securing straps 226 and the securing straps 226 haveholes which may fit over a post 229 which may be part of the securingstructure 228. By using either of these ways, or any in other suitablemanner, the bag 224 can be secured within the deposit box 22, 220. Whenthe door 26, 222 of the deposit box 22 is opened, the straps 226 may beaccessed to be removed from the securing structure 228 to provide accessinside the bag 224. The item may be deposited in the bag 224 and the bag224 cinched closed or otherwise closed. Then the securing straps 226 maybe threaded through the passageways 230 and secured to the securingstructure 228. The door 26, 222 may then be closed and the deposit box22, 220 may be locked thereby securing, the bag 224 to the deposit box22, 220.

It should be understood that the type of securing structure 228 shown inFIG. 10A may also be used with the deposit box 220 of FIGS. 9 and 10B.Furthermore, the securing structure 228 of FIG. 10B may also be usedwith the smaller deposit box 22. The illustrated aspects are exemplaryand are not limiting. Various aspects of various aspects may be mixedand matched among various aspects.

In some aspects, the bag 224 may be designed so it is difficult to openwithout removing the securing straps 226 from the securing structure228. In other aspects, a separate locking mechanism 231 may be attachedto the deposit bag 224 to keep the bag 224 closed. Where a separatelocking mechanism 231 is used, a proximity sensor 30 (similar to theproximity sensors described above) may also be operatively connected tothe locking mechanism 231 to provide selective access to the bag 224, sothat the locking mechanism 231 may be accessed by a delivery person oruser in a similar manner to the locking and unlocking of the deposit box22, 220 that is described elsewhere herein.

It will be understood that deposit boxes 22, 220 in accordance with thepresent disclosure may be originally configured to have any or all thefeatures of: the box proximity sensor 30, the locking mechanism 32, thebag 224, and passageways 230 or may be modified to have any or all thesefeatures. In some aspects, kits may be provided to modify a standardmailbox or other structured to become a deposit box 22, 220 inaccordance with present disclosure. Such a kit may include any or all ofthe following: the box proximity sensor 30, the locking mechanism 32,and the bag 224, fasteners 210 and/or an adhesive.

FIGS. 11 through 13 are flowcharts that illustrate various aspects andsteps of methods in accordance with the present disclosure. It should beunderstood that the order of the steps shown in the figures and describeherein and in the claims is not mandatory (unless specifically statedotherwise) but cited as examples. The order of the steps may berearranged in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is aflowchart, which describes a method 232 of activating universalproximity sensors 42 (also referred to as a delivery proximity sensors42). The term universal proximity sensor 42 is also used because theuniversal or delivery proximity sensors 42 may be configured to open alldeposit boxes 22, 220 or all deposit boxes 22, 220 located within adefined area (hence it being a “universal” proximity sensor) as opposedto a user's proximity sensor 40 which generally is associated with asingle delivery box 22, 220. However, in some aspects, the user'sproximity sensor 40 may also be associated with multiple delivery boxes22, 220 associated with a user (especially when the user is an entityrather than a real person).

As shown in step S10, a delivery service (which may include a governmententity such as the U.S. Postal Service or any other delivery servicewhether public or private) receives universal proximity sensors 42 (asshown in FIG. 1). In step S20, the delivery service may use barcodes onthe proximity sensors 42 to swipe and download information and uniquelyassigned each proximity sensor a particular delivery point orgeographical zones such as, a zip code with the server or database 56.In step S30 the universal proximity sensor 42 may be registered via acomputer 58 wireless device 104 as shown in FIG. 1 or any other suitabledevice. In step S32 the universal proximity sensors 42 may bedistributed and associated with the piece of equipment 44 and orspecific delivery personnel. For example, a universal proximity sensor42 may be associated with a specific delivery person or a vehicle 44 orbag 44 as shown in FIG. 1 or 3. Information regarding the proximitysensors 42 in steps S20-S32 can be entered into a computer 58 or otherwireless device 104 using an application or computer program, whichallows the information to be stored on a database or server 56. Once theuniversal proximity sensor 42 has been registered it may be activated(authorized) and able to communicate with the box proximity sensors 30within its delivery route, specific delivery point, geographical zone,or ZIP Code. The delivery service can perform the operation ofactivating or deactivating each delivery proximity sensor 42 as needed.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method 234 in accordance with present disclosurefor activating a specific delivery box 22 or box proximity sensor 30associated with a specific delivery box 22. As shown in step S34, a userobtains a box security system which may include a deposit box 22 alreadyconfigured to be in accordance with the system 20 or a kit which (asdiscussed above) may allow a retrofit of the existing mailbox or otherdeposit box to be upgraded to contain features associated with thepresent system 20. As shown in step S36 user may download (or access)from a database 56 or server 56 an application or computer program ontoa user's device 104 or computer 58. In step S38 the user may then usethe application or program to register the box proximity sensor 30. Theregistration may include entering a user's information such as name,address, serial number of the deposit box and/or box sensor 30, user'sproximity sensor 30 serial number, location of the deposit box 22 andthe like. In step S40, the user may then fit the retro kit to anexisting deposit box 22 or install a deposit box 22 in accordance withpresent disclosure. The user, delivery service, and a system 20 operatormay activate and deactivate proximity sensors 30, 40, 42, 50A and 50B asneeded.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 236 of delivering an item in a securemanner in accordance with the present disclosure. The followingdiscussion is made with reference to both the flowchart of FIG. 13 andthe system shown in FIG. 1. At step S42, a universal proximity sensor 42exits a checkpoint as detected by the location proximity sensors 50Aand/or 50B. As shown in step S44, information that the deliveryequipment 44 has passed one of the exit proximity sensors 50A or 50B issent to the database or server 56. Optionally, as shown in step S46, anotice can be sent to a user's computer 58 or device 104 regarding thepassage of the delivery equipment 44. As shown in step S48, when theuniversal proximity sensor 42 is brought near the box proximity sensor30 the locking mechanism 32 will unlock the deposit box 22.

When the universal or delivery proximity sensor 42 is moved away fromthe box proximity sensor 30, the locking mechanism 32 will revert to thelock position as indicated in step S50. As set forth in step S52,information may be sent to the server or database 56 regardingcommunication between the universal proximity sensor 42 and the boxproximity sensor 30. This information can indicate when the deposit box22 was unlocked, (indicative that a delivery was made or that items wereremoved from the deposit box 22), whether the deposit box 22 iscurrently locked, or any other desired information. In step S54,information may be sent to a user's computer 58 or device 104 or merelystored on the server or database 56 to be accessed by user via thedevice 104 or computer 58.

At step S56 the delivery service equipment 44 may pass a checkpointcontaining the location proximity sensors 50A or 50B after returningfrom making deliveries. Once the building or property line proximitysensors 50A or 50B detect the return of the delivery equipment 44 bydetecting the delivery proximity sensor 42, information regarding thereturn of the delivery equipment 44 may be sent to the database orserver 56 at step S58. At step S60 notice regarding the return of theequipment 44 may be sent to a user. It may be understood that the methoddoes not require that notices be sent to a user, as such steps areoptional. In some aspects, information is stored on the database orserver 56 for later access by the user and may or may not be sent to auser.

In some aspects, the delivery proximity sensor 42 may also contain a GPStransceiver which can transmit wirelessly information to the database orserver 56 as to the location of the equipment 44. In some aspects, oneor more of the other proximity sensors 30, 40, 50A, and 50B may alsocontain or be operatively connected to a transceiver which can transmitwirelessly information to the database or server 56.

In additional aspects of the disclosure, the system 20 may be configuredto provide a wide range of additional functionality. In particular, thesystem 20 may be implemented to be an overall solution to packaging,package pick up, and package delivery. In some aspects, customers may beable to use the system 20 to order the deposit box 22, the flexibledeposit bag 224, the locking mechanism 32 for their existing mailbox,other components set forth in the disclosure, and the like. Moreover,customers may be able to use the system 20 to order supplies, such aspackaging supplies. In this regard, the system 20 may be configured forelectronic commerce. More specifically, the system 20 may be implementedto provide mobile commerce, electronic funds transfer, supply chainmanagement, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, inventorymanagement systems, product delivery including shipping, and the like.In this regard, the system 20 may be configured to receive payment fromthe customer. For example, system 20 may be configured to receive andstore a credit card to pay for purchases, and any appropriate one timeor monthly fees. Other forms of payment are contemplated as wellincluding electronic funds transfer, debit card, PayPal, and the like.

In one aspect, the disclosed delivery system may be associated withservice provided by the system 20 and may be associated with monthlyfees or payments. In this regard, the system 20 may be configured tohandle one time payments, periodic payments (e.g., monthly fees), andthe like. Moreover, the system 20 may be configured to allow customersto query the system 20 on previous purchases, payments, including anyone time or monthly fees, returns, supplies purchased, and the like. Inparticular, the system 20 may be configured to generate an on-linecustomer interface via the mail service optimization application 106, aweb portal, or the like. The system 20 may generate the on-line customerinterface for order entry, and all associated customer servicefunctionality as described herein.

The system 20 may be configured to allow business and residentialcustomers to use the on-line customer interface to set up an account, toregister a preferred payment solution (e.g., business or personal creditcard) to that account to pay for supplies such as mail weighingequipment, stamps, tape, other packing and shipping materials, and thelike. The system 20 may be further configured to allow customers to usethe preferred payment solution (e.g., a credit card on file) to pay formail pickup and delivery implemented by the system 20. In one aspect,the system 20 may be configured to support payment solutions such ascredit card processing.

Once registered, a customer may use the system 20 to purchase suppliesneeded to prepare a package for delivery. Once purchased through theon-line customer interface implemented by the system 20, the supplieswould be delivered to the customer location, such as via the deposit box22. The customer would then have their supplies on hand when they areready to prepare a package for pickup. A customer's preferred paymentsolution, such as a credit card, already on file in the system 20, maybe used to pay for the transaction and payment solution processing wouldproceed accordingly.

In various aspects, the customer accounts and associated transactionsmay be serviced through the system 20 and associated interfaces to othersystems for activations, sales, fulfillment, delivery, returns and allcustomer service and security activities.

One aspect of the disclosure includes package pickup. In this regard,customers may prepare packages for pickup as follows. The customer(business or residential) would use the previously purchased suppliesobtained through the above-noted electronic commerce solution of thesystem 20 to properly wrap the package for delivery.

In one aspect, the customer may have an electronic weighing deviceconfigured to measure the weight of the package. In one aspect, theelectronic weighing device may interface with the system 20 and providea package weight to the system 20.

The customer may then access the system 20 and begin the process ofrequesting package pickup, entering all pertinent information. Thisinformation may include a destination address so that the system 20 maydetermine if the destination address is associated with another customerthat utilizes the system 20. Within the system 20, the customer mayindicate how they would like the package shipped: Standard, Overnight,Two-day delivery, etc.

The customer may then place the package on the weighing device, and theweight of the package may be automatically calculated and provided tothe system 20 over the connection 54. All associated shipping chargesmay be calculated as well, and a total cost may be generated by thesystem 20 and displayed for the customer on the online customerinterface (via the application, web portal, or the like). Thereafter,the customer can utilize the online customer interface to indicate thatthe package is ready for pickup. For example, the customer selects the“approved for pickup” button graphically generated in the onlinecustomer interface. Thereafter, the system 20 can provide the abilityfor the customer to generate a shipping label for printing. For example,the system 20 can provide a data file that may be printed to form a peeland stick shipping label. In one aspect, the data file may beautomatically generated for printing at the customer site. The customerwould affix the label to the package for shipping.

The customer may then use the online customer interface generated by thesystem 20 to enter the date the package would be placed in the depositbox 22 for pickup. Moreover, the customer may use the online customerinterface generated by the system 20 to indicate a specific location ofthe package. For example, whether it would be located in the deposit box22, the flexible deposit bag 224 (based on the size of the package), orthe like. The system 20 may allow a primary delivery company to assignan appropriate secondary delivery company to pick up the package fromthe customer. The system 20 may thereafter charge the customer utilizingthe preferred payment solution (e.g., customer's credit card would becharged) for the transaction and process it accordingly.

In one aspect, if the recipient is also a customer that utilizes thesystem 20, the customer receiving the package may receive an alert whenthe package is picked up and delivered just as the sending customerwould. If the customer receiving the package is not a customer thatutilizes the system 20, only the sending customer may receive an alertwhen the package is picked up and delivered.

In certain aspects, any package that needs to be picked up for deliveryto another address may have a distinctive printed shipping labelindicating the same. For example, a blackened right corner that can beripped off when the package is picked up. This will be very visible todelivery personnel and allow them an easy way to make sure they arepicking up the right package.

As previously noted, the system 20 may be configured to allow eachcustomer to make monthly or one-time fees or other payments and to havethose payments processed accordingly.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, the system 20 may be utilized tosupport multiple delivery companies. In this regard, the system 20 maybe implemented by a single primary delivery company. The primarydelivery company may then allow secondary delivery companies to utilizethe system 20. However, the primary delivery company may maintain alevel of control and operation of the system 20 as described below.

In one aspect, the system 20 may also be accessible by the primarydelivery company and/or any other secondary delivery companies.Additionally, the system 20 may be configured to provide residential andbusiness customers, the secondary delivery companies, and the primarydelivery company various levels of customer service through an on-linecustomer interface. In this regard, the system 20 may be configured tobe accessible for customer service personnel to service accountinquiries, issues, returns and all other transactions and accountactivities. Moreover, the system 20 may include interfaces to any othercomponents and systems of the disclosure.

In one aspect, the primary delivery company may have the ability toapprove or decline system and equipment access or the ability to performany function at any level at any time temporarily or permanently on thesystem 20 for any secondary delivery companies. The primary deliverycompany may have the ability to assign or re-assign, turn on or turn offany transmitter or other equipment sold or assigned through the system20, temporarily or permanently. The primary delivery company may alsohave the ability to assign and re-assign groups of and types oftransmitters (truck, wristlet, mailbag, or the like) to the secondarydelivery companies on the system 20.

The primary delivery company can also override any decision made by asecondary delivery companies in the system 20. All required interfacesto the primary delivery company and the secondary delivery companiesexisting systems may be established to allow transfer and access ofrequired data through the system 20. Interfaces may also be in place toallow processing of orders, returns and of any credit card transactionsfor customers.

The primary delivery company may utilize the system 20 to freeze,cancel, de-activate, assign, or re-assign any transmitter or account forsecurity or other pre-defined reasons. The primary delivery company maycharge any secondary delivery companies for any transmitter or otherequipment assigned if lost or stolen through the system 20. The primarydelivery company may have access to all transmitter activity andoverride capability in case of a security breach through the system 20.

The primary delivery company may be able to assign transmitters withinthe primary delivery company by region or other geographic area throughthe system 20. The primary delivery company may be able to process andtrack activity and transactions and then query and report on them at theregional level within the primary delivery company through the system20. The primary delivery company may be able to allow its regions topurchase supplies and equipment at the regional level within the primarydelivery company through the system 20. The primary delivery company maybe able to assign and track transmitters at the regional level withinthe primary delivery company through the system 20. The regional levelmay be defined as a zip code or other geographic area.

The primary delivery company may be able to configure and assigntransmitters to the primary delivery company regions and to thesecondary delivery companies through the system 20. The transmitters maybe requested in the system 20 by the secondary delivery companies, andthen sent to the secondary delivery companies and then accessed in thesystem 20 through the secondary delivery company's account to beregistered, activated, and tracked.

In certain aspects, the secondary delivery companies may also have anumber of capabilities in the system 20. Authorized secondary deliverycompanies may be able to request and receive access to the system 20from the primary delivery company for account set up and management,transmitter registration, assignment, management, activation andde-activation, and activity tracking and reporting. Each registeredsecondary delivery company may have access to their data only throughthe system 20.

When a new secondary delivery companies wants access to the system 20,the system 20 may authenticate the delivery company, prior to allowingaccess and set up of that company's account. Once authenticated, thesecondary delivery company may have access to the system 20 to set uptheir profile, order and manage their transmitters, and to track andreport on associated package pickup and delivery activity.

Each individual secondary delivery company may have the ability topurchase supplies and equipment, and may have access to the system 20 asrequired to service their accounts.

Each individual secondary delivery company may have the ability toperform all of the functions as described herein with oversite of theprimary delivery company through the system 20. Each secondary deliverycompany may have the ability to deny access to the system 20 at thecustomer level for security purposes. Any denial at this level mayimmediately alert the primary delivery company through the system 20.

In some aspects, the system 20 may interface with a number of systemswithin various delivery companies, such as the United States PostalService and other delivery companies. For example, these companies mayalready have package pickup and delivery systems in place that will needto pass and share data. For example: A secondary delivery company thatalready has a scheduling system in place may provide an interface toupdate the system 20 when a package is scheduled for delivery to or pickup from a specific address so that an alert can be provided.

The secondary delivery companies may be able to assign transmitterswithin the secondary delivery company by region or other geographic areathrough the system 20. The secondary delivery companies may be able toprocess and track activity and transactions and query and report on themat the regional level within the secondary delivery companies throughthe system 20. The secondary delivery companies may be able to allow itsregions to purchase supplies and equipment at the regional level withinthe secondary delivery companies through the system 20. The secondarydelivery companies may be able to assign and track transmitters at theregional level within the secondary delivery companies through thesystem 20. The regional level may be defined as a zip code or othergeographic area.

Each secondary delivery company may have the ability to turn any of itsassigned transmitters on or off temporarily or permanently through thesystem 20. Any secondary delivery companies may have the ability toassign and re-assign groups of and types of transmitters (truck,wristlet, mailbag, or the like) assigned to that secondary deliverycompanies by the primary delivery company through the system 20.

All secondary delivery companies and customer activity may be tracked inthe system 20 with activity alerts sent to consumers when packages havebeen picked up or delivered in accordance with the disclosure.

The system 20 may also be configured to allow assessment or payment byeach secondary delivery companies of any monthly or one-time fees orpayments required and to have those payments processed accordingly.

Security is a critical concern. In this regard, the system 20 may havestate of the art security to track transmitters and mailbox locks. Thesystem security may monitor account activity at all levels and mayprovide strong alerts for suspicious or potentially harmful activity.Any account, mailbox lock or transmitter could be automaticallyterminated if a security breach is suspected by the system. There may bea security module within the system 20 that may allow high-levelsecurity personnel in the primary delivery company and secondarydelivery companies to establish and monitor access and other securityrights and activities. Security management may have the ability to querythe system 20 at any time for up to date reports on activity and users.

In further aspects, the system may track, generate, and provideReporting & Audit Data. In this regard, the system 20 may be configuredto track and provide on-line queries and reports to the primary deliverycompany on each transaction, request, or alert at each level (primarydelivery company, secondary delivery companies, Customer).

In some aspects, the system 20 may track and provide on-line reportingfor the primary delivery company on all equipment and transmittersassigned to secondary delivery companies at the secondary deliverycompany's level.

In some aspects, the system 20 may track and provide on-line queries andreports to each individual secondary delivery companies for eachtransaction, request, or alert at the secondary delivery companies orCustomer level.

In some aspects, the system 20 may track and provide on-line queries andreports to each individual customer for each transaction, request, oralert at the customer level.

In some aspects, the system 20 may track and report on all the system 20sales, transactions, activities and service at the customer level.

In some aspects, the system 20 may track and report on all access andassociated activity as defined within secondary delivery companies andprimary delivery company levels.

Any activity can be monitored or report generated at any level for theprimary delivery company security personnel at any time for audit ofsecurity purposes through the system 20.

All reporting data may be available at the individual level and at thehighest summary level through the system 20.

Access and utilization of the system 20 may include various fees. In oneaspect, a one-time fee may be charged for customers to activate theirsystem 20 account. In one aspect, a monthly fee may be charged forresidential customers to access the system 20 and receive alertsassociated with their activity. In one aspect, a one-time fee may becharged for business customers to activate their system 20 account. Inone aspect, a monthly fee may be charged for business customers toaccess the system 20 and receive alerts associated with their activity.This fee may vary based on the size of the business. In one aspect, aone-time fee may be charged for each secondary delivery company toactivate their system 20 account. In one aspect, a monthly fee may becharged to each secondary delivery company for access to the system 20.This fee may vary based on the size of the secondary delivery company orthe number of transmitters in use. In one aspect, a secondary deliverycompany may be charged a monthly fee per transmitter or number oftransmitters by the primary delivery company. In one aspect, a primarydelivery company's regions may be charged a monthly fee per transmitteror number of transmitters. In one aspect, a monthly fee may be chargedfor certain supplies purchased through the system 20. In one aspect,accounts may be charged for supplies purchased through the system 20. Inone aspect, accounts may be charged for package pickup and deliverythrough the system 20. In one aspect, fees may be charged to secondarydelivery companies by the primary delivery company for lost or stolentransmitters. While the disclosure has been described in terms ofexemplary aspects, those skilled in the art will recognize that thedisclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scopeof the appended claims. These examples given above are merelyillustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possibledesigns, aspects, applications or modifications of the disclosure.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated package and mail delivery security system, the integrated package and mail delivery security system being configured to limit access to a delivery box, the delivery box configured to be located at a delivery location and the delivery box comprising an enclosed space to receive delivery of a package and/or mail, the integrated package and mail delivery security system comprising: a lock mechanism, the lock mechanism configured to attach to or be integrated within the delivery box to selectively prevent a door of the delivery box from opening; the lock mechanism configured to have a locked configuration that prevents the door of the delivery box from opening; the lock mechanism further configured to have an unlocked configuration that allows the door of the delivery box to open; the lock mechanism further including a lock body; the lock body comprising a movable bolt that retracts into the lock body and extends from the lock body to implement the locked configuration that prevents the door of the delivery box from opening and the unlocked configuration that allows the door of the delivery box to open; a proximity sensor configured to detect an element associated with delivery of the package and/or mail to the delivery box by authorized delivery personnel; the proximity sensor further configured to operate the lock mechanism to move the movable bolt to place the lock mechanism in the unlocked configuration that allows the door of the delivery box to open during the delivery of the package and/or mail to the delivery box by the authorized delivery personnel; a transceiver operatively connected to the lock mechanism and the transceiver configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating the lock mechanism on a communication channel over a wireless network to a system; a power source configured to provide electrical or battery power to at least the proximity sensor and the transceiver; and a lock receiver configured to be attached to the door of the delivery box, the lock receiver configured to receive the movable bolt, wherein part of the system is remotely located away from the delivery box and the delivery location; wherein the system is configured to receive the signal indicative of operating the lock mechanism from the transceiver over the wireless network; wherein the system being further configured to transmit a message on a communication channel over a network to a user device regarding operation of the lock mechanism, wherein the user device comprises at least one of the following: a computer and a wireless device; wherein the message comprises an indication of the lock mechanism being unlocked; and wherein the system comprises at least one server and at least one database.
 2. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 1 wherein: the user device comprises the wireless device and the wireless device being implemented as a mobile phone that implements an application; the system is further configured to register the lock mechanism by receiving registration information from the user device of a user of the lock mechanism through the application; and the registration information comprises at least one of the following: a user name, a user address, a serial number of the lock mechanism, a serial number of the delivery box, and a location of the delivery box.
 3. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 1 wherein the lock receiver is configured to be attached to the door of the delivery box with mechanical fasteners.
 4. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 1 wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be arranged external to the delivery box.
 5. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 1 further comprising: a bag, the bag comprising an attaching member configured to attach to a securing member located in an interior space of the delivery box; and a passageway in the delivery box sized and dimensioned to allow the attaching member to pass through the passageway to attach to the securing member in the interior space when the bag is outside of the interior space.
 6. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 1 wherein the system is further configured to generate an on-line customer interface in the user device.
 7. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 6 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured for receiving an indication that a package is ready for pickup at the delivery box.
 8. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 6 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured for generating a shipping label for printing.
 9. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 6 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured for receiving a date indicating when a package is ready for pickup at the delivery box.
 10. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 6 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured for receiving a specific location of a package for pickup.
 11. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 6 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured to interface with an electronic weighing device configured to provide a package weight to the system.
 12. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 6 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured to generate an alert in the user device when a package is picked up and when the package is delivered.
 13. An integrated package and mail delivery security system, the integrated package and mail delivery security system being configured to limit access to a delivery box, the delivery box configured to be located at a delivery location and the integrated package and mail delivery security system comprising: a lock mechanism, the lock mechanism configured to attach to the delivery box to selectively prevent a door of the delivery box from opening; the lock mechanism configured to have a locked configuration that prevents the door of the delivery box from opening; the lock mechanism further configured to have an unlocked configuration that allows the door of the delivery box to open; the lock mechanism further including a lock body; the lock body comprising a movable bolt that retracts into the lock body and extends from the lock body to implement the locked configuration that prevents the door of the delivery box from opening and the unlocked configuration that allows the door of the delivery box to open; a proximity sensor configured to detect an element associated with delivery of a package and/or mail to the delivery box by authorized delivery personnel; the proximity sensor further configured to operate the lock mechanism to move the movable bolt to place the lock mechanism in the unlocked configuration that allows the door of the delivery box to open during a delivery of the package and/or mail to the delivery box by the authorized delivery personnel; a power source configured to provide electrical or battery power to at least the proximity sensor; and a transceiver operatively connected to the lock mechanism and the transceiver configured to transmit a signal indicative of operating the lock mechanism on a communication channel over a wireless network to a system, wherein part of the system is remotely located away from the delivery box and the delivery location; wherein the system is configured to receive the signal indicative of operating the lock mechanism from the transceiver over the wireless network; wherein the system being further configured to transmit a message to a user device regarding operation of the lock mechanism; wherein the user device comprises at least one of the following: a computer and a wireless device; wherein the message comprises an indication of the lock mechanism being unlocked; and wherein the system comprises at least one server and at least one database.
 14. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 13 further comprising the delivery box; the delivery box comprising an enclosed space to receive delivery of, or retrieve the package and/or mail; the delivery box comprising the door that is configured to selectively provide access to the enclosed space and the door further configured to selectively prevent access to the enclosed space; and a lock receiver configured to be attached to the door of the delivery box, the lock receiver configured to receive the movable bolt.
 15. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 14 wherein the lock receiver is configured to be attached to the door of the delivery box with mechanical fasteners; and wherein the lock mechanism is configured to be arranged external to the delivery box.
 16. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 13 further comprising: a bag, the bag comprising an attaching member configured to attach to a securing member located in an interior space of the delivery box; and a passageway in the delivery box sized and dimensioned to allow the attaching member to pass through the passageway to attach to the securing member in the interior space when the bag is outside of the interior space.
 17. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 13 wherein the system is further configured to generate an on-line customer interface in the user device.
 18. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 17 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured for receiving an indication that a package is ready for pickup at the delivery box.
 19. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 17 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured for generating a shipping label for printing.
 20. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 17 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured for receiving a date indicating when a package is ready for pickup at the delivery box.
 21. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 17 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured for receiving a specific location of a package for pickup.
 22. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 17 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured to interface with an electronic weighing device configured to provide a package weight to the system.
 23. The integrated package and mail delivery security system of claim 17 wherein the system generating the on-line customer interface further being configured to generate an alert in the user device when a package is picked up and when the package is delivered. 